Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
It is fantastic flying into Kathmandu on a day with clear blue skies. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks spread down below you are almost rapturous and begins a whole sequence of memorable experiences that stay with you for a really long time. An escort from our office will meet you at the airport and reach you to your hotel. Our representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be oriented about your daily activities.
Day 02: Free at your own leisure.
After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about what to do in your next free day. The choice is yours: either you can stroll around the nearby market on your own or you can opt for a half/full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. This extra tour gives you deep insights into Nepal’s iconic monuments that have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. Rupakot holidays will give you an orientation on your program & you will also get the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure. When this is done, you might find time to shop around the city in the evening time if you need any gears for the trek. Overnight at your hotel
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara [915 m], Drive to Nayapul [1,050 m] & Trek to Tirkhedhunga [1,577 m], 4 - 5 hrs.
It takes around 30 minutes to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. While flying to Pokhara, we can enjoy the wonderful views of glistening mountain ranges and stunning landscapes below you. We will be met at Pokhara airport by your trekking crew. A short drive of about 45 minutes brings us to a trailhead at Birethanti, a bustling village of lodges, shops and houses. We commence your trek with a gradual ascent along the left bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. We then move away from the river and follow a trail along the upper edge of terraced fields through Hille to Tirkhedungha for your first overnight camp – B. L. D
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani [2,775 m], 6 - 7 hrs.
On ascending along a route that brings us to a forest, we will find Annapurna South, hidden by a ridge. Beyond Banthanti, there are magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron. After a few hours of trekking through the forest, we enter Ghorepani. A short hike takes us to a small pass and further to the village of Deurali. To get us acclimatized with our surroundings, we haul up at Ghorepani for the night – B. L. D
Day 05: Ghorepani to Tadapani [2,700 m], 5 - 6 hrs
Today is a special day because we surmount Poon Hill- an icon of the Annapurna region. We climb the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3200mtrs). The efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas. After taking photos and having some coffee, tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani for our overnight halt - B. L. D
Day 06: Trek to Ghandruk [1,940 m], 3 - 4 hrs.
As we quit Tadapani, we hike along terraced fields below the wonderful panorama of awe-inspiring glaciated Himalayan mountain ranges. As the trail moves across a group of flatlands, forest, cultivated lands and a suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, we arrive at the scenic & beautiful village of Ghandruk after hiking for 3 to 4 hours.
A supreme vantage point in this pristine & serene village offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare and Hiunchuli. Several hotels and teahouses at the village give us a warm welcome with sincere Nepalese hospitality while catering to the requirements of all trekkers’ who hit the trail through this village. Camping in its terraced fields give you the open wild feelings of adventure! – B. L. D
Day 07: Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong [2,170 m], 6 hrs.
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through a dense and dark forest. The route passes through the west bank of the Modi Khola. We then descend steeply down the village of Chuile coming over to the Kimrong Khola {stream in English}. We then do a steep climb continuing up to Chhomrong. Just above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare) facing the Annapurna just across the valley which is in the shape of an amphitheatre and exciting to explore. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located in the lap of the giant Annapurna massif. Overnight in our tented camps at Chhomrong – B. L. D
Day 08: Trek to Bamboo [2,340 m], 4 - 5 hrs.
After we check out from Chhomrong, the trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on an airy swaying suspension bridge, and then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky trail (beware of the stinging nettles) we reach three hotels at Sinuwa, at 2350m. Climb the rhododendron forests to Kuldi, at 2520m. This was once a British sheep breeding project; now the stone houses are an ACAP visitor centre and check post. In winter, from this point on we can commonly find snow along the way. It is then a short distance on a muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge [2340m]. We crash out at Bamboo for the night – B. L. D
Day 09: Bamboo to Deurali [3,230 m], 4 hrs
The day starts with a gentle gradual ascending following the trail above the river through a thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up to the side of the canyon. We cross two streams over small bridges.
The trail passes through solitary places. The natural beauty of our surroundings in the wilderness gives special peace to our mind. There is also the possibility of seeing a variety of species of wildlife such as wild pig, deer, snow leopard, etc. we bunk out in Deurali – B. L. D
Day 10: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp [4,170 m] via Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3,820 m], 4 - 5 hrs.
Heading out from Deurali, we trek for several hours to Annapurna Base Camp [4170m] via Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3820m]. From Deurali, the valley widens and becomes less steep and we can see the gates to the sanctuary. The trail at this part is less steep. As the trail continues into the sanctuary, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After a short trek, we reach Bagar [3310m], a meadow and some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail ascends gently until we reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3820m]. Here we find almost 6 to 7 lodges. This is one of the places where we can enjoy the views of several magnificent mountains. The path follows through alpine meadow and after some distance our trail goes gently up. After a short trek, we begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp [4170m]. From here, we can see the views of several peaks at 360 degrees. We set up our camps at base camp for the night – B. L. D
Day 11: Trek to Dovan [2,630 m], 4 - 5 hrs.
We continue descending towards the village of Dovan passing through the village town known as Himalayan Hotel as the terrain slowly begins to transform itself due to the change in altitude. On arrival at Dovan, we will interact with the local folks with our guide who will do the interpreting and learn more about the lifestyles of the local hill people before relishing a traditional dinner during the evening – B. L. D
Day 12: Trek to Jhinudanda [1750m], 5 - 6 hrs.
We hit the trails today with a Trek from Dovan to Jhinudanda. The path descends up to Bamboo, as it passes through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After reaching Bamboo, the trail steeply goes up to the Kuldi Ghar and then the trail is pretty flat for some miles. Gradually descending to Chhomrong Khola, we need to follow a stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong village. The last part of the trail today goes steeply down to Jhinudanda. Walking down from the town for about 20 minutes, we reach a natural Hot spring at the bank of the Modi Khola. We haul up hereabouts to spend some time pampering our tired bodies at the Hot Spring – B. L. D
Day 13: Trek to Pothana [1,600 m], 4 - 5 hrs.
We begin our day with a gentle decline before continuing along a flat trail leading to a stunning waterfall near the town of Himal Pani. We then pass through numerous terraces and streams before passing through traditional Burung and Magar villages that bring us to Bherikharka. We then hike through several scenic locations to enjoy the mountain views before passing through oak forest to the village of Pothana – B. L. D
Day 14: Trek to Dhampus Phedi [1580m] and drive to Pokhara. Approx - 4-5 hrs walk and 1/2 hr drive
From Pothana, after some two hours of good hiking, the trail leads us to the last uphill of this venture, the climb takes an hour up to a small pass at Deurali ridge at 2,250 meters. Deurali, a nice spot with 2-3 teahouses, offers great views of landscapes with snow-capped peaks from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna range, a nice walk from here leads us through lovely forest with more brilliant scenery of the Annapurnas and Mt. Manaslu range. As we hike a high ridge, we get majestic views of Annapurna and Manaslu range and superb scenery of green fertile valleys and the lakes at Pokhara in the distance. An easy downhill walk through the forest and meadows brings us to Dhampus with constant views of the central western and eastern Himalayas; from Dhampus village our hike takes us to about two hours of descents at Dhampus phedi on the motor able Pokhara-Baglung highway which is also the start and ending point of various trekking routes in the Annapurna region. From Phedi, an hour drive brings us to our hotel site near the Shore of Phewa Lake in Pokhara – Breakfast + lunch
Day 15: Fly/drive to Kathmandu [optional]
We catch a morning tourist coach from Pokhara to Kathmandu. From Pokhara, we have the options to either fly or drive to Kathmandu. The flight is for about 30 minutes and the drive takes approx 6-7 hours. This is a highly scenic drive through the lush rural countryside via the main highway to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, our day is free to do what we would like to do best. Maybe we could go in for some last minute shopping to pick up some souvenirs for the loved ones at home, or maybe we could just chill out with a few beers at our hotel. At eventide, we visit an upscale Nepalese restaurant for a delicious Nepalese supper to celebrate a trip well enjoyed. While savouring our meal, we will be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles, we are going to enjoy this evening to the hilt in celebration of a successful summit of Hiunchuli peak - Overnight at our hotel – Breakfast + Dinner
Day 16: Departure for that lovely place we call ‘home’ – Farewell Friends!
Today is free to relax and do your own things; perhaps some last minute shopping or pen a few postcards to the loved ones at home, until your departure or to commence any additional trips or activities you may have booked. If you are departing, you’ll be transferred to the international airport in time for your return flight home. Meeting you has been a wonderful experience that Rupakot holidays will cherish for a long, long time; & on your way home, you’ll be thinking of a trip that will linger in your memories for a whole life which we are sure will become fireside stories to be told to your loved ones on a cold winter night for the generations to come. Till we meet again one-day …its bye for now. Breakfast
